‘One heart, one body, one spirit’
By Luke Faulks, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Nearly 200 people gathered in the U̓ll̓us Community Centre in Mount Currie on Feb. 4 to celebrate a night of historic firsts for the Lil’wat Nation and the Invictus Games. It was the first stop on a four-day trip for 15 Invictus athletes and representatives from the four Host Nations. The expedition carried the Invictus flag through the Lil’wat, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations, culminating in the flag’s arrival in Vancouver at the Games’ opening ceremony on Feb. 8. It’s the first time Invictus is hosting winter sports, recognizing veterans’ healing occurs year-round. And the expedition itself is considered a shared journey of healing between servicemembers and members of the Nation. It’s a close collaboration that signifies an unprecedented central role for...
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Trump administration gives schools a deadline to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money
By Collin Binkley WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is giving America’s schools and universities two weeks to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal money, raising the stakes in the president’s fight against “wokeness” and sowing confusion as schools scramble to comply. In a memo Friday, the Education Department gave an ultimatum to stop using “racial preferences” as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other areas. Schools are being given 14 days to end any practice that treats students or workers differently because of their race. The sweeping demand could upend education in myriad ways. The memo targets college admissions offices, ordering an end to personal essays or writing prompts that can be used to predict an applicant’s race. It forbids dorms or graduation events for students...
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OPP Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad seek help locating federal offender
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada-wide warrant. Joshua Gray is described as a 44-year-old white man, five feet and 10 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. According to the OPP’s Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad, he is currently serving a six-year, nine-month, and nine-day sentence for multiple offenses, including armed robbery, drug trafficking, and disguise with intent. Police say Gray has several tattoos, including an owl and words on his left arm, a cross, a Joker skull, a skull on his upper right arm, and the word “Believe” on his right forearm. Authorities say Gray is known to frequent London, Sarnia, and Toronto. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is...
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Leonard Peltier to be released from prison following sentence commutation in FBI killings
By Graham Lee Brewer AP-Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier is set to be released from a Florida prison Tuesday based on former President Joe Biden having commuted his life sentence for the 1975 killings of two FBI agents, a decision that elated Peltier’s supporters while angering law enforcement officials who believe in his guilt. For nearly half a century, Peltier’s imprisonment has symbolized systemic injustice for Native Americans across the country who believe in his innocence. The decision to release the 80-year-old to home confinement was celebrated by supporters. “He represents every person who’s been roughed up by a cop, profiled, had their children harassed at school,” said Nick Estes, a professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota and a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe who...
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Water supply a consideration if Iqaluit is to host military base, mayor says
By Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Hosting a military base could put demands on Iqaluit’s water system, says Mayor Solomon Awa. But, the idea also presents an economic opportunity. “There’s a question of do we have enough water?” Awa said in an interview, a day after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced his party would build CFB Iqaluit if his party wins the next federal election. But having an adequate water supply is one of the considerations the city would have to face, Iqaluit’s mayor said. “If not, we’re going to have to ask [for] more funding to create more water for the city.” Iqaluit’s long-term water supply and distribution upgrades, to which the federal government contributed $214 million in 2022, is one of the city’s major ongoing...
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Haida celebrate title agreement, Trudeau emotional at ceremony
By Brenna Owen -CP-With tears streaming down his face, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a gathering of Haida Nation leaders and community members that he couldn’t think of a better place to make one of his final trips as Canada’s leader. Federal and Haida leaders signed a historic agreement Monday recognizing Aboriginal title over the archipelago of Haida Gwaii off British Columbia’s northern coast. “Haida Gwaii belongs to you, the Haida people,” Trudeau said, as the crowd cheered, clapped and rose to its feet. “This is only the beginning of a new chapter,” he said, between the Haida Nation and the Canadian government. Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, president of the Council of the Haida Nation, told the official ceremony that the agreement was the culmination of “well over 100 years of...
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Poilievre sticks with ‘axe the tax,’ adds policy details to slogans as election nears
By Sarah Ritchie -CP-The Conservatives’ favourite slogan — “axe the tax” — has been a rallying cry for the better part of three years as frustrated Canadians looked for relief from the rising cost of living. But now, with key Liberal leadership candidates backing away from the federal consumer carbon price, some have been asking whether the Tories need to axe their slogan as well. On Saturday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre put the speculation to rest. “After much reflection, I have concluded the carbon tax will be an even bigger issue in the coming election,” he told supporters at a rally in downtown Ottawa. Here is a closer look at what Poilievre says he’ll do if his party forms the next government. ‘Axe the tax’ Poilievre has always said he...
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Like Poilievre, Freeland is pitching a housing plan that would limit immigration
By David Baxter and Kyle Duggan -CP-Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland’s plan to fix the housing shortage would tie the number of newcomers Canada admits to housing availability. The former finance minister made the promise in a 10-point policy document her campaign issued Monday morning. Freeland said the move would slow down population growth until housing affordability stabilizes. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been promising for some time now to tie immigration numbers to housing starts. Under the federal government’s current immigration plan, the number of permanent residents being admitted is set to decline annually until it reaches 365,000 in 2027. The previous goal was to admit upwards of 500,000 permanent residents annually from 2024 to 2026. The link between immigration and housing starts isn’t the only thing the Freeland...
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Alberta’s special hunting licences yield $356K at Utah auction
By Jack Farrell -CP-Seven unique hunting licences issued by the Alberta government have sold for the equivalent of C$356,000 at an auction in Utah. The Alberta Minister’s Special Licences are issued annually and exempt hunters with the highest bid from certain rules. At the 2025 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Utah on the weekend, hunters paid US$50,000 each for moose and elk licences, while the mule deer licence was the most coveted and sold for US$70,000. The white-tailed deer licence sold for US$32,500; the cougar licence sold for US$29,000; and the one for a pronghorn sold for US$15,000. The turkey licence fetched the least at US$4,500. An eighth special licence issued by the province this year, for a bighorn sheep — Alberta’s official mammal, sold for a record-breaking US$400,000...
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Yukon premier says trip to Washington, D.C., highlighted North amid tariff dispute
-CP-Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai says he met with elected representatives from Alaska to discuss the importance of working together and the impact of possible tariffs on both counties. A statement from Pillai says he met with Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and House Representative Nick Begich as part of a trip to Washington, D.C., with other Canadian premiers, aimed at challenging the “harmful tariffs” being threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. Pillai says he and the other two territorial premiers also held a panel discussion at the Wilson Center where they highlighted the territories’ role in Arctic security, the strategic importance of critical minerals and the need for Indigenous-led economic initiatives. All 13 premiers travelled to Washington last week — the first such joint delegation of premiers to D.C. — where...
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Inuksuk Drum Dancers provide helping hand on new song
By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News The Inuksuk Drum Dancers hit the road earlier this month where they got the chance to join Susan Aglukark for a special reason. Ten members of the group were in Toronto from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7 to provide background vocals for a new song called Igvit (For You). It’s a song Aglukark said she wrote several years ago, but rediscovered it last year and felt it was time to put a melody behind it. Mary Piercey-Lewis, choral director for the group, accompanied the young singers to Toronto, sais Aglukark reached out early last year to see if the group could be a part of it. “We worked hard to get some funding for it to be able to make...
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Where science meets Inuit stewardship: Saving the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt
By Cedric Gallant, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt near Inukjuak may well be the oldest accessible volcanic rock formation on Earth, but increased scientific interest in the region is causing irreparable damage to the land. And that has forced residents to put their foot down to find a solution. As a place where scientific research meets the will of Inuit as stewards of the land, the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt — 40 kilometres south of Inukjuak — captured interest from researchers around the world after scientists theorized that it could contain some of the oldest rocks on Earth in 2008. Further research by University of Ottawa professor Jonathan O’Neil in 2017 suggests parts of the rock formation, which includes garnet, quartz and biotite, are 4.3 billion...
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‘My hands were being guided’: Exhibition invites viewers into the world of Haida master artist
By David P. Ball, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Standing in front of a studio work desk cluttered with wood-carving tools, family photos, newspapers, and tide charts around his homeland Haida Gwaii, Kihl ‘Yahda (Christian White) describes the “sense of satisfaction” he gets from his artwork. Whenever he finishes a new carving, painted box, or ceremonial mask, he often feels pride and happiness. He hopes it brings similar feelings for others in his nation. “I imagine it could spur many emotions, really,” he tells IndigiNews in an interview. “We live in a small community where there can be a lot of grief. You know, there’s always loss in our community — but there’s also life and smiles and happiness. And we’ve got to let that win.” The 62-year old Haida artist...
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Take precautions for your heart while snow shoveling, cardiovascular experts say
By Nicole Ireland -CP-Bev Gilbert was thinking about his heart as he and his wife dug their daughter’s car out of its snow prison on a Toronto side street. “I take it really easy,” the 71-year-old said Monday as he gestured toward a vehicle almost entirely encased in snow. “I got a small shovel. I’m not taking great big piles (of snow).” Gilbert was among many people across Eastern Canada digging themselves out from more snowfall than many have seen in years. Cardiovascular experts would approve of his precautions — along with the fact that he keeps in good shape overall by walking throughout the winter. “If you’re not doing any physical activity, it’s not a good idea from one day to the other to go and (be) shoveling snow,”...
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Like Poilievre, Freeland is pitching a housing plan that would limit immigration
By David Baxter and Kyle Duggan -CP-Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland’s plan to fix the housing shortage would tie the number of newcomers Canada admits to housing availability. The former finance minister made the promise in a 10-point policy document her campaign issued Monday morning. Freeland said the move would slow down population growth until housing affordability stabilizes. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been promising for some time now to tie immigration numbers to housing starts. Under the federal government’s current immigration plan, the number of permanent residents being admitted is set to decline annually until it reaches 365,000 in 2027. The previous goal was to admit upwards of 500,000 permanent residents annually from 2024 to 2026. The link between immigration and housing starts isn’t the only thing the Freeland...
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New program helps Inuit connect to the land
By Heidi Atter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Independent The Nunatsiavut Government recently launched Aullâsimapvet, a pilot project funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada that helps Inuit cover the costs of gas, ammunition and food. “It’s a way to help get Inuit back on the land,” says Crystal Allen, cultural program manager with the Nunatsiavut Government. “This project is going to help them get out and get back to hopefully living some traditional ways of life and reconnecting to their roots.” The program is needed as the high cost of living creates barriers for people going on the land, Allen says, explaining the project also benefits Nunatsiavummiut as a community because it will help train the next generation to be stewards of the land, track land erosion and sea...
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Akeeagok reminds Poilievre about need to consult in the North
By Kira Wronska Dorward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News After a brief and unexpected visit to Iqaluit on Monday, Feb. 10, from federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok released a three-page statement before flying to Washington to discuss American tariffs alongside Canada’s other premiers and representatives of Trump’s government. In it, Akeeagok outlines the agreed-upon policy regarding security currently in place with the federal government, projects already underway to further develop Nunavut’s infrastructure and he emphasizes the need to consult Inuit and Northerners before making policy decisions or announcements.The current Arctic security national defence policy under the Trudeau government includes the slogan “nothing about us, without us” in terms of consulting Northerners in decision-making. “This morning, I learned about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s Arctic platform, including...
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Justin Trudeau, Prince Harry take in final day of Invictus Games in Vancouver
By Chuck Chiang -CP-Talk of war and politics mixed with sport at the closing ceremony in Vancouver of the 2025 Invictus Games where hundreds of wounded or sick service personnel competed for their country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau singled out team members of Ukraine, Afghanistan and the United States as he spoke to a crowd of about 12,000 at Rogers Arena on Sunday. He told the American competitors that Canada and America have stood together for generations and Canadians “will never stop fighting for the friendship that unites our two countries.” While he didn’t mention U.S. President Donald Trump, Trudeau said Americans and Canadians “have values and a friendship that endures the test of time.” “I know my American friends, you’ve been reminded this past week that your Canadian friends...
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U.S.-‘Waste, fraud and abuse’ is a political fight older than the nation. Here’s what to know
By Bill Barrow ATLANTA (AP) — Good-government advocates, anti-tax conservatives, politicians of various stripes and everyday Americans grouse about “waste, fraud and abuse” across the U.S. government. President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, opened the latest chapter for a phrase hailed as common sense and derided as propaganda. “It’s a very broad idea,” said Matt Weidinger of the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute. “But this phrase ‘waste, fraud and abuse’ obviously means different things to different people.” Here is a look at this rhetorical cudgel and how it relates to the outset of Trump’s second administration. The seemingly far-away government has always been a bogeyman Pinpointing the genesis of “waste, fraud and abuse” as political rhetoric is difficult. But the...
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RCMP say suspect is armed and dangerous after multiple stabbings in Saskatchewan
-CP-RCMP are hunting for a 29-year-old man who they allege stabbed people at three different homes on a northern Saskatchewan First Nation, and also tried to steal a vehicle in a nearby community while armed with a machete. Mounties warn that Ryan Lachance is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Police say they were called on Saturday afternoon about a stabbing at a home on Big River First Nation, where they say there was an altercation between a male and a female that ended with the female suffering non-life threatening injuries. Minutes later, police say a group of people entered another home in the community and stabbed a male, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and they say another stabbing victim was located at a third home and...
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